Board Members
Michelle Schulze - Founder, President
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
[email protected]
Michelle is originally from Pittston Township, PA and graduated from Misericordia University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science, Masters in Physical Therapy. She is currently employed as a physical therapist in Colorado Springs, CO. Michelle and her husband, Chris, were blessed with a beautiful baby boy on January 2, 2008. After 10 months of misdiagnosis, their son, Liam, was finally diagnosed with HLH on March 26, 2009. (see Liam's story). After Liam's passing in September 2009, Michelle continued to come across other parents with children affected by HLH who also were initially misdiagnosed of this deadly disease, some resulting in their child's death as well. Michelle also continued to research HLH and soon found that it has been diagnosed since the 1950's. She felt it unacceptable physicians are still misdiagnosing the clinical signs and symptoms of HLH even though there has been more and more focus on it since then as well as the formation of The Histiocytie Society in 1985.
Michelle founded LLF in order to continue the fight her son no longer could against HLH. Statistics are showing the incidence of HLH has increased over the past few years due to progress in research and better detection. Michelle is dedicated to raising awareness of Histiocytic disorders, supporting families affected by these diseases, and funding much needed research for safer more effective treatments and ultimately a cure. She will do this in her son's name and honor of his fight against HLH.
"There are days when my mind wanders back to those sleepless days of pure FEAR living in the hospital and they will be engraved in my mind forever. Life continues to challenge me each and every day, but starting his foundation is one of the best things I have ever done. Liam has taught me so much. He has taught me to fight for what I believe in, not to give up even when things seem impossible, and what love truly feels like. The love for a child cannot be compared to any other. He has taught me that "life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away" (Maya Angelou). I am just a mom who lost her child to a horrible disease and is trying to make a difference in the world of Histiocytosis. There is power in numbers and in numbers we can make a difference."
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
[email protected]
Michelle is originally from Pittston Township, PA and graduated from Misericordia University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science, Masters in Physical Therapy. She is currently employed as a physical therapist in Colorado Springs, CO. Michelle and her husband, Chris, were blessed with a beautiful baby boy on January 2, 2008. After 10 months of misdiagnosis, their son, Liam, was finally diagnosed with HLH on March 26, 2009. (see Liam's story). After Liam's passing in September 2009, Michelle continued to come across other parents with children affected by HLH who also were initially misdiagnosed of this deadly disease, some resulting in their child's death as well. Michelle also continued to research HLH and soon found that it has been diagnosed since the 1950's. She felt it unacceptable physicians are still misdiagnosing the clinical signs and symptoms of HLH even though there has been more and more focus on it since then as well as the formation of The Histiocytie Society in 1985.
Michelle founded LLF in order to continue the fight her son no longer could against HLH. Statistics are showing the incidence of HLH has increased over the past few years due to progress in research and better detection. Michelle is dedicated to raising awareness of Histiocytic disorders, supporting families affected by these diseases, and funding much needed research for safer more effective treatments and ultimately a cure. She will do this in her son's name and honor of his fight against HLH.
"There are days when my mind wanders back to those sleepless days of pure FEAR living in the hospital and they will be engraved in my mind forever. Life continues to challenge me each and every day, but starting his foundation is one of the best things I have ever done. Liam has taught me so much. He has taught me to fight for what I believe in, not to give up even when things seem impossible, and what love truly feels like. The love for a child cannot be compared to any other. He has taught me that "life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away" (Maya Angelou). I am just a mom who lost her child to a horrible disease and is trying to make a difference in the world of Histiocytosis. There is power in numbers and in numbers we can make a difference."
Rose Ann Podminick - Treasurer
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA Rose Ann is lives in Colorado Springs, CO with her husband, Frank. She is the proud mother of Chris Slezak and Michelle Schulze(Liam's mommy). She is also the very proud grandmother to Juliana, Liam, Callan, and Finn. She graduated from Wilkes University in 1972 with a BA in Psychology and Elementary Education. She was an educator for 35 years in Pittston, PA. Upon retirement in June, 2007, she moved from Shavertown, PA to Colorado Springs, CO to be near her daughter, Michelle, and to take care of and enjoy her future grandson, Liam. When Liam became ill, she traveled to Cincinnati with her daughter to help with his care. She remained there for 6 months until he could fight no longer. "I left part of my heart and soul in Cincinnati when Liam passed and will passionately fight for the rest of my life to increase awareness of this horrific disease." |
Lynn Carle - Secretary, Activities Director
Hanover Twp., Pennsylvania, USA Lynn lives in Hanover Twp., PA with her husband, Tom. She graduated from Kings College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resource Management. She is the proud Mommy of Ethan "Champ" who passed away from HLH in 2012 very rapidly. Doctors in his hometown believed he was suffering from a viral infection but after several trips to the ER, no clear answers, and being admitted to a nearby trauma hospital, the results were catastrophic. Ethan's prognosis grew even more dire as a cause could not be determined. Ethan was suffering from liver failure. Finally, a physician from Philadelphia was covering and had seen a similar case leading to immediate testing which concluded a diagnosis of HLH. After being life-flighted to Philadelphia, Ethan began treatment for HLH with preparation for a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, Ethan did not make it to transplant. Despite all hopes and prayers, Ethan lost his battle to HLH on May 9, 2012. Lynn is devoted to ensuring other children and families do not have to suffer as Ethan did. Her love for Ethan and her commitment to funding research and raising awareness of HLH is what drives her to be involved with LLF. |
Our Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of any non-profit organization, dedicating their time, energy, and skills to support a cause they believe in.
We are immensely grateful for everything they do to help move us forward. Without them, we could not achieve the mission of Liam's Lighthouse Foundation. We'd like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our volunteers, for your generosity and commitment. You are truly appreciated.
We are immensely grateful for everything they do to help move us forward. Without them, we could not achieve the mission of Liam's Lighthouse Foundation. We'd like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our volunteers, for your generosity and commitment. You are truly appreciated.
Audra Daniloff
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Marc Daniloff
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
